ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wherever

conj. · adv.
US //hwɛˈɹɛvɝ// UK //weəɹˈɛvɐ// wher·ev·er
  1. 1 in any place (conj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in or to any place that something happens or exists.

    in, at, or to any place that; used to introduce a subordinate clause describing a location.

    Example

    You can sit wherever you like in the cinema since it is nearly empty.

    Example

    The dog followed him wherever he went, refusing to leave his side even for a moment during the long hike.
  2. 2 no matter where (conj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    it does not matter which place something is in.

    regardless of the place in, at, or to which something occurs.

    Example

    Wherever you go on holiday, make sure to take your passport.

    Example

    Wherever the investigation leads, the committee is determined to uncover the truth behind the financial discrepancy.
    • no matter where
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  1. 3 emphatic where (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a stronger way to say 'where' when you are surprised or confused.

    an emphatic form of the interrogative 'where', typically used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion.

    Example

    Wherever did you find that beautiful old map?

    Example

    Wherever could they have gone at this time of night without leaving a note or locking the front door?
    • where on earth
  2. 4 any place at all (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    any place that a person chooses.

    in or to any place whatever; used as a standalone adverbial to indicate total freedom of location.

    Example

    We can go to the park, the beach, or wherever.

    Example

    The budget allows us to host the conference in London, Paris, or wherever the board deems most convenient for the international delegates.
Origin

From where + ever.

Word family

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